Falmouth: Pier Cafe gets permission to extend outdoor seating area

A popular cafe based on Prince of Wales Pier has been given permission for various improvements.

Submitted by Mr Sething of St Ives Design on behalf of Mrs Vanstone (the applicant) - plans for Pier Cafe include alterations and additions including extended outdoor seating area, security railing/gate, and an ice cream kiosk.

Permission was granted last week (23rd).

As reported last year, the Pier Cafe was seeking approval for a security railing to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

The cafe said that the gate is required to combat the already "extremely serious" and increasing problems of security and antisocial behaviour on the pier, "the side terrace needs to be closed off when the cafe is closed," the application reads.

The ice cream kiosk will be located at the entrance of the cafe. The extended outdoor area will provide seating in a more visible area to passing trade and affords customers panoramic views of the sun later in the day.

In a previous application, the cafe was looking to create a raised decking area. That has since been removed and replaced with rope barriers.

The officers report reads: "The proposal would deliver public benefits including short term economic benefits during the construction phase and ongoing economic benefits over the lifetime of the development in terms of increased employment provision and increased spending in the local economy. These benefits of the proposed development are considered to outweigh the limited harm to the heritage asset that has been identified. Overall, it is concluded that the likely impact on the historic environment would not justify refusal of this application in this respect. It is therefore considered that on balance the proposal is acceptable in respect of its impact upon the historic environment."

Falmouth Town Council also recommended approval of the application.

Click here to see the plans for yourself.